A Rogers and Hammerstein musical is hardly kids stuff, but when it comes "Sound of Music," continuing on the TrueNorth Cultural Arts stage, kids rule.

The legendary musical chronicles the story of Maria, played in this production by Kent State University graduate Meggie Wittman, who becomes the governess to the Von Trapp children in Austria just before its takeover by the Nazi regime in the 1930s.

When the postulant Maria appears too high-spirited for religious life, she journeys off to become a nanny to the children of widowed naval captain, Capt. Von Trapp, played by Dana Hart, a regular to the TrueNorth Cultural Arts stage.

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Maria's energy and loving nature rub off on the children and eventually wins over the heart of Captain Von Trapp. The musical has become one of the most beloved shows of all time with songs "Do-Re-Mi," "My Favorite Things" and, of course, the title song.

"Given the show not only has some of the best music written, it is based on history and relationships, and we have worked hard in bringing these real issues to life," said Rick Fortney, artistic director of TrueNorth.

"We chose 'Sound of Music' as our holiday production due to its relevancy on life issues in today's culture as well as the relationships and joy that abound."

Of course, the musical also presents a great outlet for the acting and singing chops of several Lorain County youths.

Fortney noted most of the child actors had seen the classic "Sound of Music" movie, which inspired them to audition for the show.

Paul Schwensen, a senior at Vermilion High School, said he was familiar with the film. In the TrueNorth production, he plays a Rolf, the young suitor to Liesel, the eldest of the VonTrapp children.

He sings the popular ballad "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" as an innocent romantic teen but winds up becoming Hitler Youth in the end.

Schwenen said portraying a dark character was not easy.

"This is definitely new to me it was a challenge to accept this part and take on this dark character and understand what it was like back then," he said.

Fortney said the young actors and actresses brought a fun energy to the TrueNorth building during their rehearsals.

"The Von Trapp Children have brought joy to our hallways at French Creek Nature and Arts Center the past six weeks," Fortney said.

"The relationships formed; the learning that has taken place; and the energy and enthusiasm of this cast ... our halls are alive with the sound of music."

If you go

TrueNorth Cultural Arts' "The Sound of Music" continues at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 3 p.m. and Sundays through Dec. 16. Advance tickets are $16 for the center section and $14 for the side reserved seats. Tickets may be purchased the day of the show for $18 and $16, respectively. Children ages 18 and younger are $10. French Creek Nature and Arts Center, home to TrueNorth Cultural Arts, is located at 4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village. For tickets or more information, call (440) 949-5200, ext. 221, or go to www.TNCArts.org.